 Pioneers' And Veterans' Homes During Special Session Veterans Groups Applaud Governor's Request for $2.6 Million for Homes June 03, 2002
"The veterans service organizations are once again standing together to demand much deserved financial benefits for their members and all Alaska veterans," Knowles said. "New funding means as many as 100 vacant beds could be made available for seniors, veteran and non-veterans alike. Alaska's veterans courageously served their country when their nation asked. Now, it's high time we serve our veterans in their twilight years." Veterans' groups originally urged Knowles to veto Senate Bill 2001, which authorized a pilot program so aging veterans could enter the Alaska Pioneers' Homes with an admissions preference but provided no funds for the program. Veterans objected strongly to the lack of funding. The bill also drew fire because it delayed changing the homes' name to "Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Homes" and revoked the name change in 2005. During a meeting with Knowles last week, veterans' groups said they would support his signing the bill if the Governor would again ask the Legislature to fund the program. As requested, Knowles will ask legislators to approve $2.6 million to fund more beds at the homes, during the special legislative session that begins on June 24. "Once again, in 21 days, I will ask you to suit up one more time, check your equipment and help me complete a mission," Knowles said. "The Legislature needs to hear your strong voices yet again, this time in favor of funding for the Pioneers' and Veterans' Home. I understand the groups now plan to ask legislators, in advance of the session, to sign a pledge, committing to support the bill. You guys sure know how to work the issue and I have to tell you, when the veterans community speaks with one, loud voice, legislators listen." At the VFW convention, Knowles also signed into law one of the bills that he introduced in January as part of his "2002 -- Year of the Veteran" package: Senate Bill 268 authorizes $500 million in bonds for guaranteed veteran housing loans. The bill will extend the program for years to come and provide veterans with the lowest possible interest rates, and there is no income limitation. "More than 400 vets used this popular program last year and without this bill, it would have run out at the end of 2002," Knowles said. "It's a sweet program for vets. After all, what is more basic than shelter?" Knowles spoke to the VFW convention on the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Dutch Harbor. The Japanese attack on June 3 and 4 on 1942 killed 78 U.S. soldiers. "Imagine the terror that must have filled the Territory of Alaska. A largely unseen enemy attacking at will, with an unknown depth of resources, and a seeming inability by any federal, territorial or local officials to predict the next location or timing of an attack," Knowles said. "By state law, June 3 is Dutch Harbor Remembrance Day. I have issued an Executive Proclamation to note the day and ordered state flags flown at half-mast. There are still some old timers in Alaska who served in the Aleutians, so I thank them for their service. I thank all veterans who have served in our wars since then, including members of the military who are veterans of the War on Terrorism," Knowles concluded.
Source of News Release & Digital Photo
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